Gary “Red” Smart

Gary “Red” Smart, 76, died March 7, 2011.

A celebration of life and reception was March 12 at American Legion Post in Palmer.

Born June 18, 1934, in Hill City, Minn., Gary was one of 12 children to Kenneth Sr. and Monica (Walsh) Smart. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951, where he served as a B-36 mechanic. Following an honorable discharge, he moved his young family to Alaska in 1957 and worked at the coalmines in the Sutton area, where he was inducted into the Alpine Historical Society’s Old Timers Hall of Fame. He was a member of IUOE Local 302 and worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline system.

He owned and operated Smart and Son Excavating for more than 20 years.

A Butte resident since 1979, Gary was a member of the Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, Pioneers of Alaska and a lifetime member of American Legion Post 15, where he held many positions, including state commander.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne; his parents and three brothers, Ken Jr., Larry and Dar.

He is survived by his children, DelRene, Robb, Todd, Timm and Keith; and his stepchildren, Rudy, Sandee and Rosanne; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Post 15 for the Red Smart Scholarship Fund or Mat-Su Hospice.

Arrangements were with Legacy Kehl’s Palmer Chapel.